Guest Author - Denise Lacazette

There are several things you should have prepared and ready to go at a moment’s notice for an evacuation.

Transport cage – this should easily fit into your vehicle and have enough room for the animal to stand, lay, and turn around in the event they have to temporarily live in the cage at your destination. This should always be easily accessible – not in the attic or high shelf in the garage buried under seldom used items.

Identification & Information – a waterproof packet containing a photo of your pet, copy of medical history, veterinarian phone number and address, ID numbers, and any medication information. The pet should have some form of identification on or in it: collar with tag, eartag, tattoo, leg band, or microchip. You should also include a list of pet-friendly friends (phone numbers and addresses) as well as pet-friendly hotel chains and several boarding facilities within a few hours drive in each direction. The more information you keep together in a ‘ready’ packet, the easier it will be to identify your pet if it becomes lost during the evacuation or find a safe haven for your pet. Not all emergency shelters or hotels will allow pets – especially the more exotic ones.

Food & Water-- keep a bag filled with containers to put food and water in and store with your transport cage. Containers can be quickly filled without having to search for appropriate, or ‘enough’ containers. Have spare food and water bowls/bottles pre-packed in the bag.

See also Medicine and First Aid Supplies

Restraints or Transfer Materials -- whether you use ropes, gloves, nets, or forceps you should keep a spare pair with your transport cage and supplies. You may need these items to get the animal into the transport cage or into a longer term cage at your destination. A pair of gloves, towel or pillowcase can also be useful when an animal that normally behaves is difficult and struggling. If your pet can be leashed be sure to include one in your supply bag.

Miscellaneous -- If your animal requires special bedding, litter, nest box or special grooming materials having extra near the transport cage will make the evacuation process more comfortable and less stressful. The same applies to any amusements your pet normally may have like bones, toys, pillows, wood to chew, etc. While I try not to anthropomorphize, I think it safe to say they can become bored or scared like children do during intense change and every little comfort helps.

Your pet may act out and become timid or aggressive. Do not assume that because they have never bitten or scratched anyone that they will not during an emergency. Pets often sense when owners are disturbed and act differently. Many pets are also sensitive to weather patterns and will act instinctively i.e. try to find shelter, try to get out of danger, or run to meet the storm. The only thing you can do is know that unexpected behavior will occur and mitigate the risk to you and them by being prepared.